Montgomery County logs first COVID-19 deaths, total jumps to 110

A sign reminds visitors at Dennis Johnston Park to practice social distancing, Thursday, March 27, 2020, in Spring.

A sign reminds visitors at Dennis Johnston Park to practice social distancing, Thursday, March 27, 2020, in Spring.

Photo: Jason Fochtman, Houston Chronicle / Staff Photographer

Photo: Jason Fochtman, Houston Chronicle / Staff Photographer

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A sign reminds visitors at Dennis Johnston Park to practice social distancing, Thursday, March 27, 2020, in Spring.

A sign reminds visitors at Dennis Johnston Park to practice social distancing, Thursday, March 27, 2020, in Spring.

Photo: Jason Fochtman, Houston Chronicle / Staff Photographer

Montgomery County logs first COVID-19 deaths, total jumps to 110

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Montgomery County Public Health officials confirmed 17 new cases of the novel conronavirus Wednesday and the county’s first two deaths.

Both deaths were residents of a senior living facility in The Woodlands.

The county’s total case count is 110. Of those cases, 93 are still active, 15 remain hospitalized, 15 have recovered and 78 are in self-isolation.

The deaths, both men, one in his 80s and one in his 90s, come just days after Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough ordered the residents of The Conservatory at Alden Bridge to shelter-in-place when 13 cases were confirmed at the facility. The shelter-in-place order expires April 13.

According to the order, residents must shelter in place for the duration of the order. Those who leave the facility cannot return to the property until the order expires. Additionally, the order prohibits anyone from entering the property unless it is to provide food service, or are caregivers, medical professionals, law enforcement or someone assisting a resident in leaving under the order.

The Conservatory at Alden Bridge, at 6203 Alden Bridge Drive, offers apartment homes and services such as chauffeured transportation for scheduled trips to shopping, dining and medical appointments. The facility can house up to 237 residents and now has a capacity of about 200.

Jason Millsaps, executive director of the Montgomery County Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, said while officials with The Conservatory had put some measures in place to help stop the spread of the virus, they were pleased with the shelter-in-place order since some residents were resistant to comply with the county stay-at-home order set in place March 12.

Health officials reported the county’s first case, a person who has been hospitalized in critical condition since early March, is improving and is now in fair condition.

On Tuesday, Keough extended a stay-at-home order for residents through April 30.

Keep clean

Wash hands often for 20 seconds and encourage others to do the same.

If no soap and water are available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.